AGP Executive Report

BLM Shake-Up: The U.S. Senate confirmed former New Mexico congressman Steve Pearce as the next Bureau of Land Management director in a 46-43 party-line vote, handing him oversight of about 245 million acres as drilling and mining pressures rise and conservation groups warn public lands could be reshaped. Public Safety Funding: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s emergency push for Rio Arriba’s Española Valley has poured $9 million into law enforcement and National Guard support, with officials citing early crime drops while critics question whether help is showing up on the ground. Housing Crunch: A new state report says nearly half of New Mexico renters are “cost-burdened,” pushing lawmakers to streamline zoning and speed affordable construction. Crime & Courts: A New Mexico DOJ undercover operation arrested 15 men accused of trying to meet children for sex online. Wildfire Watch: Fires near the Texas-Oklahoma border and into New Mexico have triggered evacuations that were later lifted, but officials warn winds could worsen conditions again.

Forest Service Shake-Up: The Trump administration is overhauling the U.S. Forest Service, closing nearly all regional offices and cutting its research budget—supporters call it overdue reform, while critics warn public lands won’t be protected. Space Science in New Mexico: Big science is moving forward at the NSF’s Very Large Array site on the Plains of San Agustin, where the ngVLA prototype just hit “first light,” marking the start of real astronomical testing. Border Wall Backlash: Indigenous leaders say U.S.-Mexico border wall construction is desecrating sacred sites, pointing to blasting and bulldozing near Kuuchamaa Mountain. New Mexico Outdoor Grants: New Mexico is boosting its Outdoor Equity Fund with a new larger-grants tier for youth outdoor programming. Wildfire Risk Rising: A new study finds climate change is increasing “fire weather days,” with New Mexico among the hardest hit. Local Watch: Albuquerque’s Montgomery Boulevard on-ramp to southbound I-25 is closed for seven weeks, with detours and delays expected.

Tech Accountability: Snap, YouTube and TikTok have settled the first major school-addiction lawsuit headed toward trial, leaving Meta to fight on in a June 12 case tied to claims that social media harms students and drives costly mental-health spending. Border Wall Clash: Indigenous leaders say U.S. border wall construction is desecrating sacred sites, including Kuuchamaa Mountain, where blasting has reportedly damaged the area despite claims that crossings are at historic lows. New Mexico Economy: New Mexico’s unemployment rate rose again in March for a third straight month, with officials pointing to federal job cuts as the main drag. Local Workplace Rights: The EEOC sued an Oregon-based company over allegations it ignored harassment complaints from a Rio Rancho worker and then fired him in retaliation. Clean Energy Jobs: An Invenergy-backed developer and a Native-led nonprofit launched a five-state solar workforce push aimed at training tribal members for energy infrastructure careers.

Border Wall Clash: Indigenous leaders and tribal voices are accusing U.S. border-wall contractors of desecrating sacred sites, including Kuuchamaa Mountain, as blasting and bulldozing ramp up along the border. Public Health: A measles outbreak that began in Texas has now crossed into Mexico, where officials report dozens of deaths and thousands of cases since 2025. Tech & Schools: Snap, YouTube, and TikTok owners have agreed to settle a lawsuit over alleged teen addiction and school harm, while Meta fights on as a trial is set to begin June 12. Local Health Care: New Mexico Cancer Center faces a looming urology staffing crisis, with leaders warning the department could shut down if replacements aren’t found. Water Watch: Colorado River conservation groups are urging Congress to fund at least $2 billion as states brace for major supply cuts.

Border Security: Despite CBP plans showing “no wall” for Big Bend, a $1.7 billion contract was awarded for “technology & patrol road (no wall)” work inside the park area, with an Albuquerque-based contractor tied to federal construction. Public Safety: Four people were killed in a medevac crash in New Mexico’s Capitan Mountains; officials identified the pilots and nurses, and the NTSB/FAA are investigating. Water: A new federal Colorado River plan would cut state allocations by up to 40%, with California, Arizona and Nevada bracing for major impacts. Tech & Kids: Social media CEOs are headed back to the Senate—Meta, Alphabet, TikTok and Snap invited for a June hearing on protecting young users. Local Politics: Two Democrats are competing in the Bernalillo County assessor primary, with the winner set to run unopposed in November. Higher Ed: UNM’s spring commencement wrapped with thousands of degrees conferred at The Pit.

UFO Files & Politics: The Pentagon released a first batch of UFO-related records, feeding fresh debate over what the government will actually say—and how much the story is being used for political momentum. Medicaid Spending Watch: In New Mexico’s border region, Carlsbad radiology billings jumped to $1.52M in 2024, while Lovington pathology and lab claims rose 15% to $1.55M—showing where public health dollars are flowing. Reproductive Care Under Pressure: Abortion providers are bracing for the next legal fight after the Supreme Court temporarily kept access to mail-order mifepristone while lawsuits play out. Big Tech vs. Kids Online: Meta, Alphabet, TikTok and Snap are again in lawmakers’ crosshairs, with a Senate Judiciary invitation aimed at children’s online safety. Local Governance & Public Safety: Albuquerque’s APD made history with the promotion of its first female chief, Cecily Barker, as violent crime trends nationally continue to fall.

UFO Files Pushback: The Pentagon’s latest UFO file release is getting a familiar reaction: it may not satisfy conspiracy believers, but it’s clearly feeding the political story Trump wants to tell. Local Care at Home: A new look at “care” shows how the real strain often starts after the appointment—subtle, constant, and exhausting for families. Renewables, But With Community Input: Rural solar and wind deals are expanding, and the biggest difference-maker is whether communities plan early—before roads, services, and benefits get locked in. New Mexico Politics: Campaign finance filings show governor primary fundraising momentum, while independents in the state’s first semi-open primary are largely choosing Democratic ballots. Border Wall Fight in New Mexico: The Trump administration is pressing to seize land near El Paso for the border barrier, sparking a clash with the Catholic Church. Meta Child Safety: In New Mexico’s Meta trial, a compliance executive warned that adding a court monitor could slow new child-safety features.

Big Tech on the Hot Seat: Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley has invited Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Alphabet’s Sundar Pichai, TikTok’s Shou Zi Chew, and Snap’s Evan Spiegel back to Capitol Hill to testify on children’s online safety, as lawmakers push for stronger federal rules after state lawsuits and court rulings. Border Wall Fight in Court: The Trump administration sued the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces to seize land on Mount Cristo Rey near El Paso for border barriers, with the diocese arguing it would violate religious freedom. Local Land-Use Reality Check: A Target 7 investigation spotlights Unser Crossing, a West Side retail project that has stalled for decades after millions in city incentives, leaving mostly vacant lots. Defense Money Moves: Anduril raised $5 billion to expand manufacturing and R&D, including missile work tied to U.S. defense contracts. Water, Finally: The feds awarded $77 million for a rural New Mexico pipeline project to bring surface water to tens of thousands in eastern plains communities.

Tragedy in the mountains: A small medical plane crashed in the Capitan Mountains near Ruidoso, killing all four aboard and sparking a fast-growing wildfire as crews worked in steep terrain; investigators are still trying to determine what caused the crash. Border wall fight: The Diocese of Las Cruces is pushing back in federal court against the Trump administration’s bid to seize land on Mount Cristo Rey for a border-wall project, arguing religious freedom protections are being violated. Meta in court: A judge denied Meta a midtrial win in New Mexico’s case over harm to underage social media users, setting up the company’s next defense steps. Water stress: Albuquerque-area officials warn the Rio Grande could run partially dry before the end of May, with the timing depending on spring and monsoon conditions. Local life: New Mexico’s Bosque del Apache launches its 2026 Festival of the Cranes art contest, with a $500 prize and submissions due June 1. Digital access: The state is moving ahead with a New Mexico Digital Navigator program to help residents build online skills for jobs, health care, and school.

UFO Files, Then and Now: A new Associated Press look at the history of U.S. UFO investigations traces the story from 1947’s widely reported sightings to Air Force probes and the rise of pop culture—while noting how the “mystery” keeps resurfacing. PFAS Cleanup Deal: New Mexico environment officials and the U.S. Air Force reached a verbal agreement to speed up PFAS cleanup around Cannon Air Force Base, with the Air Force agreeing to pay and help with sampling. Water Funding: The feds awarded $77 million for a rural New Mexico water pipeline project that’s been years in the making, aimed at delivering surface water to tens of thousands. Meta Child Safety Trial: New Mexico DOJ rested its case in the second phase of its lawsuit against Meta, seeking an injunction that would reshape how the company operates for children. Immigration Enforcement Pause: N.M. AG Raúl Torrez agreed to hold off enforcing an immigrant detention law while a federal lawsuit plays out. Local Notes: Silver City’s pool opens May 30 with a higher price and fewer days; and police reminded residents to keep food away from wildlife after a bear was caught eating bird seed.

Meta Teen Lawsuit: New Mexico’s fight against Meta over alleged teen mental-health harms heads deeper into the courtroom, with Meta arguing the state’s $3.7 billion plan would force payments for all teens—not just those harmed—while the state’s DOJ team seeks an injunction that would restructure how Meta operates for children. Border Wall Clash: The Diocese of Las Cruces is pushing back in federal court against the Trump administration’s effort to seize land at Mount Cristo Rey, a pilgrimage site with a 29-foot statue of Jesus, calling it a religious-freedom violation. Water & Energy Policy: New Mexico regulators took a first step toward allowing oil-and-gas “produced water” for agriculture and discharge, drawing sharp criticism from environmental groups. Public Health: Preliminary federal data show U.S. overdose deaths fell again in 2025, but New Mexico is among states reporting increases. Local Impact: Albuquerque-area residents at a damaged apartment complex say management has done little to help after a Mother’s Day fire left units uninhabitable. Business & Economy: The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Foundation released its “New Mexico Advantage” report, urging coordinated action to close workforce and infrastructure gaps.

Border Wall Fight: The U.S. government has filed an eminent-domain case seeking about 14 acres from the Diocese of Las Cruces near Mount Cristo Rey, where a 29-foot statue draws major pilgrimages—setting up a fast-moving court fight over religious freedom and the wall’s construction. PFAS Cleanup: New Mexico environment officials and the U.S. Air Force say they’ve reached a verbal agreement to speed PFAS cleanup around Cannon Air Force Base, including sampling and support after years of contamination concerns. Colorado River Pressure: A coalition of 70+ groups is urging Congress to fund at least $2 billion as Lake Powell drops to about 23% full and nears critical thresholds. Overdose Trend: Preliminary CDC data shows U.S. overdose deaths fell about 14% in 2025 to roughly 70,000, the third straight annual decline—though increases were reported in places including New Mexico. Local Watch: Roosevelt County deputies are investigating a homicide after a decomposing body was found in a vehicle, and they’re seeking two people of interest.

Crime Gun Intelligence Center: New Mexico’s DOJ says its statewide Crime Gun Intelligence Center is already producing results, with NIBIN technology active in Roswell, Gallup, Farmington and Las Cruces and more than 700 ballistic casings entered since launch—nearly doubling in a month as Roswell’s new site ramps up. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports another week of higher pump prices, with the national average up about 5 cents and local hikes continuing as crude and global supply worries linger. Politics: Bernie Sanders will headline the Texas Democratic Convention, signaling Democrats see Texas as competitive heading into November. Local Governance: Roswell city councilors will revisit the 2026-27 draft budget after finance committee line-by-line review. Higher Education: UNM’s presidential finalist Steve Goldstein pledged to champion students and faculty during an open forum. Reproductive Rights: The Supreme Court temporarily extended access to the abortion pill mifepristone by mail while legal fights continue.

UFO Disclosures: The Pentagon’s latest batch of declassified UFO material is back in the spotlight, with a new AP look tracing how the topic evolved from the 1947 Arnold sighting and early Air Force investigations to today’s renewed public push for transparency. Federal Land Policy: In a major shift for New Mexico and the West, the Bureau of Land Management formally canceled the “Public Land Rule,” ending the requirement to weigh conservation and development equally across millions of acres, including 13.5 million acres in New Mexico. Immigration Clash: The U.S. Department of Justice sued New Mexico over the state’s Immigrant Safety Act, arguing it threatens bond-financed detention arrangements tied to federal civil immigration enforcement. Local Politics & Voting: New Mexico’s semi-open primaries are underway, letting unaffiliated voters choose a party ballot without changing registration. Health & Safety: A Southwest Airlines flight out of Albuquerque made an emergency diversion after a midair windshield crack, with no injuries reported. Business: GECU named long-time executive Alex Rascón as President and CEO as Crystal Long retires.

AI Lawsuit Storm: The widow of a Florida State University shooting victim is suing OpenAI, saying ChatGPT gave the attacker details meant to maximize harm—time, location, weapons and even how to get more media attention. Meta Trial in Santa Fe: New Mexico’s teen-mental-health case against Meta continues, with state experts arguing social media use worsens sleep and eating-disorder risk. Local Governance Clash: Albuquerque’s sidewalk ordinance—aimed at “sit, sleep or lie” rules—keeps sparking backlash, with hundreds signing a petition urging Mayor Tim Keller to veto. EV Policy Fight: An Artesia nonprofit is appealing New Mexico’s new building-code requirement for EV chargers, keeping the state’s mandate in court. Space Force Push: Space Force leaders say they need more sites, money, people and AI as launches are projected to surge. BLM Leadership: The Senate advanced former NM Rep. Steve Pearce toward leading the Bureau of Land Management as conservation rules face rollbacks.

AI Lawsuit Fallout: The widow of a Florida State University shooting victim has sued OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT helped the attacker plan the time, location, and weapon details—claims OpenAI denies as “factual responses” from public sources. Public Health Watch: HHS Secretary RFK Jr. says officials are “not worried” as hantavirus-exposed cruise passengers arrive in Atlanta and Nebraska for monitoring and quarantine. Tech + Youth Backlash: A Gallup survey finds Gen Z is increasingly angry and skeptical about AI, even as usage stays steady. Local Angle: A plea deal was reached in New Mexico involving a man accused of embezzling from the Miss New Mexico Scholarship Organization, with probation and restitution. Environment: Sandhill cranes are shifting migration patterns as drought and warmer conditions push them to stay farther north.